What is the project?

Anchorage Terminal Reserve Environmental Investigation
a.k.a. Ship Creek Environmental Investigation

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 (EPA) signed an Administrative Order on Consent effective June 29, 2004 to implement an environmental remedial investigation and feasibility study (RI/FS) at the Anchorage Terminal Reserve in Anchorage, Alaska.

The 600-acre project area is located just north of downtown Anchorage. Ship Creek flows through the area and empties into the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet.

Various agencies of the federal government, including the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), owned and operated in the area from 1915 to 1985. In 1985, railroad operations were transferred to the state-owned Alaska Railroad Corporation.

The ARRC Anchorage rail yard and adjoining properties have been leased to a variety of other industrial and commercial businesses ranging from small convenience stores to large oil storage facilities.

ARRC will sample the soil, groundwater, and surface water at several locations throughout the Anchorage Terminal Reserve during the RI/FS process. The objectives of this process are to determine the nature and extent of contamination, assess the risk to human health and the environment, and develop and evaluate alternatives for areas identified for cleanup. The RI/FS process requires detailed study plans and can take several years to complete. All the work is performed under the direct oversight of the EPA and others.

If any significant contamination is discovered during the study period, the agreement calls for an assessment of risks to humans, wildlife or the environment. The assessment results will guide the development of a cleanup plan where appropriate and feasible. Any cleanup would be shared cooperatively with past owners/operators of the Ship Creek railroad yard who had previous responsibility for the property.

Map of site:

Full Map (PDF)

(Source: AKRR, EPA)